Delaware DMV Driver Manual (July 2025)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Delaware’s DMV Driver Manual, including licensing paths, documentation, safety rules, and penalties.

DMV (Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles)

State agency that issues driver licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations, titles, inspections, and provides driver-related services.

Driving Privilege Card (DPC)

A driving-privilege credential for foreign Delaware residents lacking legal presence; valid for driving only, not a full ID; fee applies; issued with SBI fingerprinting and other verification requirements.

Federal Identification Standards (DL/ID)

National standards to secure state DL/IDs; enable federal use (air travel, federal facilities); compliant cards bear a gold star; non-compliant cards say Not for Federal ID.

Blue Certificate

Driver Education Certificate; also called the White/Blue certificate; proof of completing a Delaware Department of Education driver education course.

Graduated Driver License (GDL)

Program for new drivers that starts with a Level One Learner’s Permit and progresses to full license, with supervision, restrictions, and sponsor involvement.

Level One Learner’s Permit

Initial GDL permit for ages 16-18 (or eligible under 22 with IEP); requires Delaware Driver Education Certificate; 12 months of supervised driving; eye/written tests and sponsor involvement.

Sponsor (GDL)

Parent/guardian or other approved adult who endorses the GDL applicant, supervises practice, and has final authority over driving privileges.

Eye Screening

Vision test required for license issuance; minimum standard typically 20/40 with or without corrective lenses; daylight-only options if 20/50.

Acceptable Identification Documents List

Either primary and secondary documents proving identity, legal presence, and age; must include Social Security number and two Delaware residency proofs.

SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements)

A DHS system used to electronically verify non-citizen immigration status and authorized stay for DL/ID processing.

U.S. Citizenship Documents (proofs)

Examples include birth certificate, U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, and Certificate of Citizenship.

Driving Privilege Card (DPC) Requirements

Available to certain foreign residents lacking legal presence; not available to U.S. citizens; requires specific documents, SBI/DOR steps, and physician/eye screenings.

DPC Eligibility (who can apply)

Foreign Delaware residents who cannot prove legal presence; the DPC is not a general ID and has a 4-year validity with fee; subject to all Delaware driving laws.

Permanent License Renewal

As of HB 253, Delaware no longer issues permanent licenses; current holders must renew every eight years (fee applies).

Acceptable Documentation for DL/ID (Overview)

One primary document, one secondary document, proof of SSN (if eligible), and two proofs of Delaware residency from separate sources.

What documents Do I Need To Get My Compliant License?

Show original source documents; compliant DL/ID has gold star; non-compliant can be converted with a $20 replacement fee.

Ineligible Immigration Status (DL/ID)

Certain immigration statuses disqualify license/ID issuance; may be eligible for a Driving Privilege Card (DPC) instead.

Surrender of Out-of-State License

Non-residents transferring to Delaware must surrender their out-of-state license and provide proof of legal presence, SSN, and Delaware residency.

Medical Information and Reporting (DL)

Drivers must self-report medical conditions that may affect driving; favorable medical reports may be required; medical suspension can occur if not provided.

Driver License Renewal (DE)

DL renewals may occur up to 180 days before expiration; eight-year licenses; reminders issued; certain endorsements may affect fees.

Vehicle Title/Registration: Steps

Step 1: Insurance; Step 2: Vehicle inspection; Step 3: Title; Step 4: Registration; fees apply.

Liability Insurance Requirement (Title/Registration)

Proof of liability insurance is required to title/register a vehicle; minimum coverage specified by the state.

Vehicle Inspection (DE)

All vehicles undergo safety and emissions inspection as part of titling/registration; items checked include lights, brakes, tires, windshield, etc.

Title vs. Registration Fees

Fees apply for title (with/without lien) and annual or multi-year registration; additional document and service fees may apply.

Uninsured Motorist Penalty

Operating an uninsured vehicle can result in substantial fines and license/registration suspensions.

Move Over Law (DE)

When approaching an authorized emergency vehicle with lights or siren, drivers must move to the right lane or slow down to protect responders.

Right-of-Way Rules

Standards for yielding at intersections and other scenarios to prevent crashes; e.g., first to arrive at a four-way stop goes first.

Signals and Signs (General)

Drivers must signal 300 feet ahead; signs/signals govern right-of-way, turns, and lane changes; failure to follow can cause crashes.

Three-Second Rule

Following distance rule used to determine safe spacing behind the vehicle ahead; count in seconds to a fixed point.

Four-Second Sight Distance Rule

A safety rule to ensure you have enough distance to stop; extend distance in poor conditions and at night.

Hydroplaning

Loss of traction on wet roads as tires ride on a water layer; slow down to regain traction.

Bicycle Safety (DE Rules)

Three-foot passing clearance; bike boxes; helmets required for riders under 18; bicycles have equal road rights with certain shared-lane rules.

Bike Box

A designated area at the head of a traffic lane at intersections to help cyclists turn safely and be seen.

Two-Way Cycle Track (Bike Lanes)

Physically separated bike paths that allow cyclists to ride in both directions on one side of the road.

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

Motorcycles have full lane rights; drivers must check blind spots and maintain safe following distances.

School Bus Stop Law (DE)

Vehicles must stop for school buses with red lights; option exceptions on multi-lane highways vary; penalties apply for violations.

Section Four – Rules of the Road (Overview)

Comprehensive set of laws on right-of-way, signals, signs, speed limits, parking, and other traffic rules.

Pedestrian Rights and Duties

Pedestrians have right-of-way in crosswalks and at signals; drivers must yield; pedestrians must follow WALK/DON’T WALK signals.

Emergency Notification System (ENS)

Crossing signs and signals include ENS numbers for contacting railroads in emergencies at grade crossings.

Railroad Crossings (Crossbuck)

Crossbuck signs indicate railroad crossings; always yield to trains and do not block crossings.

Roadway Markings (Pavement)

Edge lines, lane markings (solid/broken), crosswalks, and turn lines guide lane use and turns.

Hazardous Vehicles and OHV

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) require registration; helmets/ brakes; limited highway use; separate regulations.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

A device installed to prevent vehicle operation after DUI offenses; required under some conditions; subject to timeframes and fees.

Endorsements (Motorcycle, School Bus, Taxi/Limo)

Additional licenses/credentials added to DL for operating motorcycles (M endorsement), school buses (S), or taxi/limousine services (Z).

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

CDL permits/licenses (A,B,C) for driving CMVs; CLP (CDL Learner Permit); waivers for farm or government vehicles exist.

Driver Examination Components

DRIVER EXAM consists of Vision screening, Highway Sign/Signal Test, Rules of the Road Test, and Road Test.

Road Test Documentation

Applicant must bring permit, supervising driver (21+), vehicle registration, and insurance for the road test.

Visual/Identity Precautions (DL/ID)

Documentation must be originals/certified copies; translations may be needed for foreign documents.

Department Contacts & Online Services

DMV website (dmv.de.gov) provides forms, fee schedules, renewal, road-test scheduling, driving records, and more.

Driver License Classes (Overview)

Class D Operator’s License covers most passenger vehicles; CDL covers commercial vehicles; endorsements add capabilities.

Unlawful Driving and Consequences

Suspensions, revocations, and penalties exist for DUI, hit-and-run, fleeing police, and other violations.

Crash Reporting

If involved in a crash with injury, death, or substantial property damage, report to police and exchange information; crash-reporting forms available.

Driver’s Responsibility at a Crash Scene

Stop, ensure safety, call for help, avoid obstructing traffic, and do not move injured unless necessary.

Important Safety Tip: Do Not Read Maps While Driving

If you need to read, pull over safely; distraction increases crash risk.

Emergency Vehicle Protocols

When emergency vehicles approach, yield and move to the far right if safe; follow officer directions.

Headlights Rules

Turn on headlights from dusk to dawn and in poor visibility; headlights may be required when windshield wipers are used.

Seat Belts and Child Restraints

All occupants must be properly restrained; child seats have age/weight requirements; primary enforcement for some ages.

Vision, Hearing, and Fatigue Considerations

Good vision, hearing, and alertness are essential; fatigue and health conditions can impair driving; rest and medical checks recommended.

Security and Privacy (DL/ID)

DL/ID information is protected; SSNs may be required for eligibility and identification; some data may be shared for state purposes.

Parking Rules (DE)

General rules for parking, including prohibitions near hydrants, crosswalks, and fire lanes; restrictions in handicapped spaces.

Driving During Adverse Weather

Reduce speed, increase following distance, and adjust for hydroplaning and poor visibility.